The team announced on Monday that Hank Stewart, Jason Renner and Drew Danzeisen are coming back to the Friendly City for another summer.

“It is nice to have returning guys anyways, just because of the familiarity with the league and they know the town and they know what is expected of them,” said Michael Hunt, head coach of the Express.

Stewart is from Cartersville, Ga. and hit .322 in 40 games for the Express last season. He led the team in doubles with 12 and was second in home runs with eight and drove in 34 runs.

Stewart is currently playing his senior season at Brescia University and is leading the Bearcats in batting average (.434), doubles (15), home runs (12) and RBIs (70).

“He is a multi –threat guy. He can play his position really well defensively, calls a good game and offensively, he holds his own,” said Hunt. “Hank is coming back after garnering tremendous respect around the league.”

Renner is a Spokane, Wash. native and pitched a two-hit complete game last season for the Express as a starter.

He is currently playing with Whitworth University, appearing in 10 games for the Pirates and posting a 0-1 record with a 4.41 ERA in 16.1 innings.

“I don’t know what role we are going to use him in. It will be very similar to last year. He will start off as our closer and spot start situations when we need him,” stated Hunt. “He is back to being a closer with his team now, but it is definitely nice to have him in that similar situation.”

Renner appeared in 11 games last season with the Express, posting a 4-0 record and a 2.21 ERA. In his 34 innings of work, he had 23 strikeouts and 17 walks.

“He possesses an incredible curve ball that sets up all his other pitches,” said Hunt in a release.

The other returnee, Danzeisen is from Las Vegas, Nev. and will be expected to have a bigger role with the Express this season.

“He is a multi-position guy … he can play short, he can play third base and can be on the bump if we need him. He is a guy that we will be using all over the infield,” said Hunt.

Danzeisen played 38 games last season, hitting .267, with three doubles, one home run, 10 RBIs and stole seven bases in eight attempts.

“He got really familiar with Ross Wells as we went on. His defensive abilities certainly showed and improved throughout the year,” said Hunt.

He is currently playing at Grossmont College, where he has a .268 batting average and a .362 on-base percentage.

Hunt expects all three to be leaders on and off the field.

“They know what to expect and they know what we expect of them as an organization,” said Hunt.

The Express will open their season on May 30 against Saskatoon at Ross Wells Park.